The Everglades

Problem

The Florida Everglades, a marshy region that covers about 4,000 square miles south of Lake Okeechobee, is in danger. Years of dredging, draining, and land clearing is finally catching up to this habitat. If we do not do something about this, several species of plants and animals might be extinct.

Causes of the Problem

This problem comes from around 100 years of dredging, draining, and land clearing for farmland. Another cause is that local communities are using the Evergades' water for themselves, leaving less water for the animals.

Solutions

As one solution, the polluters to the Everglades must pay for the damage they caused. As part of the cleanup, sugar farmers have pledged to contribute $232 million over 20 years. If you want to help in the project, you could write to the Park Warden for more information at:
Everglades National Park
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034.
Or, you could call the park at:
(305) 242-7700